21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
Blast from the past
Chimera provides a thrilling and in-depth exploration into the meaning of the proverbial phrase, what goes around truly does come around. Karmic justice is served via awesome displays of devastating pyrotechnics that are stunning to behold but deadly within its blast radius.
A series of deaths caused by explosives detonation and chemical combustion in 2019, that bear the hallmarks of the infamous serial killer designated Chimera in 1984, has the police scrambling for answers amidst the manhunt for the perpetrator. Is it a blast from the past or a new copycat killer? Are the incidents in 2019 and 1984 somehow related? Unraveling the mystery behind these questions are Violent Crimes Detective Cha Jae Hwan, FBI profiler Eugene Hathaway, brilliant neurosurgeon Lee Joong Yeop and investigative journalist Kim Hyo Kyung.
Directed by Kim Do Hoon (Moon Embracing the Sun), hitherto only involved in MBC dramas, and based on an original screenplay by Lee Jin Mae, this pre-produced OCN drama had wrapped up production back in 2019. The actual reasons for the delay in release is unclear but there were real fears that OCN had been struggling for some time due to the drop in ratings of its content. Only two dramas had been released earlier this year, Times and Dark Hole while the latest offering from its Voice franchise, Voice 4: Judgment Hour was released by its sister channel, TVN, instead.
OCN content has been a personal favourite for a number of years so I truly hope things will improve soon, perhaps with the help of this drama. I’m not sure how others will perceive it but for me, Chimera has been a pleasant surprise indeed. It certainly helps when the profiles of its main cast have been raised considerably in recent times.
Aspects That I Enjoyed
The premise of a serial bomber. Oftentimes when we talk about serial killers in K-dramas, it’s commonly the culprit in a black cap, gloves, and jacket with a blurred knife. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never get bored of serial killers (stabbers) due to my love of dark thrillers but it does feel extremely refreshing to see an alternative modus operandi for a change. Despite sounding morbid, observing the creativity and precision of planning murders via surgical detonation and complex chemical attacks in this drama has been an educational, fun and thrilling experience.
The multiple twists and turns. Plot devices are as impactful as the explosive devices depicted, which provide some of the more unpredictable and mind-blowing twists in the story than I had initially anticipated. Another surprising factor is that none of them is remotely “sci-fi” or logic-defying in terms of the scientific and medical basis (compared to certain other dramas in the genre). I have also enjoyed how the revelations were subtly written rather than sensationalised or teased, which adds a measure of realism into the seamless storytelling.
The technical execution comprising live and post-production special effects is quite decent. This drama may not be big budget but it certainly doesn’t look cheap either. Apart from the explosions, the depiction of chemical combustions appears well rendered indeed. In addition, a number of action sequences featuring impressive fight choreography and stunts are present in no small portion of the production.
The characterisations of the major players. I have no issues with how the main characters are written, and in fact the varied personalities provide a conducive set up for the protagonists’ arc, both individually and collectively. The cool and enigmatic surgeon from England, the conflicted profiler from the States, the local cop with a heart of gold and the tenacious journalist constitute the fascinating motley crew. The same can be said of the antagonists who offer much diverse complexity themselves.
The choice of casting couldn’t be better, in my opinion. Having seen both Park Hae Soo and Lee Hee Joon recently in Squid Game and Mouse respectively, I’m very impressed with their portrayal of polar opposites. Park Hae Soo is convincing as the affable Detective Cha Jae Hwan. As opposed to hard-boiled detectives, having a more pleasant and less cynical one is a nice change. Lee Hee Joon’s Lee Joong Yeop is extremely cool, sophisticated and charming. There’s more than meets the eye, where this character is concerned and this aspect is played to perfection. Together, both of them share a tremendous chemistry for a bromance to root for indeed.
Kim Su Hyun plays the Korean-born profiler, Eugene Hathaway while Cha Joo Young’s Kim Hyo Kyung is the journalist. Both of them fully embody their respective characters compellingly, with each having her own substantial story arc in the process that allows viewers to empathise with their backstories. It’s worth mentioning that Kim Su Hyun spent some time in the US and having had minor roles in Hollywood, her American accent helps immensely with her portrayal of an FBI specialist.
I’ve had just as much joy in observing the dynamics of all four characters, particularly their interactions during numerous supercharged as well as tense moments. Among the many gripping scenes, I’ve truly enjoyed the intensity of the police interrogations and the riveting action sequences which are very well executed.
The veteran cast deserve credit for their performance as well, none more so than Nam Ki Ae as Jae Hwan's mother. Her ability to convey the dimensions of her character is particularly memorable, given her lack of screen time. Likewise Woo Hyun as police chief Bae who manifests powerfully emotive moments of his own.
Overall
Chimera may not be the best in genre but I have thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience where it has ended up as one of my OCN favourites. It had sufficient thrills and excitement, a reasonably exciting and enthralling plot with intriguing characters worth rooting for and finally a conclusion that brings an acceptable and satisfying closure to the story. In spite of the lack of hype, this underrated gem of a drama turned out to be an extremely pleasant surprise indeed.
A series of deaths caused by explosives detonation and chemical combustion in 2019, that bear the hallmarks of the infamous serial killer designated Chimera in 1984, has the police scrambling for answers amidst the manhunt for the perpetrator. Is it a blast from the past or a new copycat killer? Are the incidents in 2019 and 1984 somehow related? Unraveling the mystery behind these questions are Violent Crimes Detective Cha Jae Hwan, FBI profiler Eugene Hathaway, brilliant neurosurgeon Lee Joong Yeop and investigative journalist Kim Hyo Kyung.
Directed by Kim Do Hoon (Moon Embracing the Sun), hitherto only involved in MBC dramas, and based on an original screenplay by Lee Jin Mae, this pre-produced OCN drama had wrapped up production back in 2019. The actual reasons for the delay in release is unclear but there were real fears that OCN had been struggling for some time due to the drop in ratings of its content. Only two dramas had been released earlier this year, Times and Dark Hole while the latest offering from its Voice franchise, Voice 4: Judgment Hour was released by its sister channel, TVN, instead.
OCN content has been a personal favourite for a number of years so I truly hope things will improve soon, perhaps with the help of this drama. I’m not sure how others will perceive it but for me, Chimera has been a pleasant surprise indeed. It certainly helps when the profiles of its main cast have been raised considerably in recent times.
Aspects That I Enjoyed
The premise of a serial bomber. Oftentimes when we talk about serial killers in K-dramas, it’s commonly the culprit in a black cap, gloves, and jacket with a blurred knife. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll never get bored of serial killers (stabbers) due to my love of dark thrillers but it does feel extremely refreshing to see an alternative modus operandi for a change. Despite sounding morbid, observing the creativity and precision of planning murders via surgical detonation and complex chemical attacks in this drama has been an educational, fun and thrilling experience.
The multiple twists and turns. Plot devices are as impactful as the explosive devices depicted, which provide some of the more unpredictable and mind-blowing twists in the story than I had initially anticipated. Another surprising factor is that none of them is remotely “sci-fi” or logic-defying in terms of the scientific and medical basis (compared to certain other dramas in the genre). I have also enjoyed how the revelations were subtly written rather than sensationalised or teased, which adds a measure of realism into the seamless storytelling.
The technical execution comprising live and post-production special effects is quite decent. This drama may not be big budget but it certainly doesn’t look cheap either. Apart from the explosions, the depiction of chemical combustions appears well rendered indeed. In addition, a number of action sequences featuring impressive fight choreography and stunts are present in no small portion of the production.
The characterisations of the major players. I have no issues with how the main characters are written, and in fact the varied personalities provide a conducive set up for the protagonists’ arc, both individually and collectively. The cool and enigmatic surgeon from England, the conflicted profiler from the States, the local cop with a heart of gold and the tenacious journalist constitute the fascinating motley crew. The same can be said of the antagonists who offer much diverse complexity themselves.
The choice of casting couldn’t be better, in my opinion. Having seen both Park Hae Soo and Lee Hee Joon recently in Squid Game and Mouse respectively, I’m very impressed with their portrayal of polar opposites. Park Hae Soo is convincing as the affable Detective Cha Jae Hwan. As opposed to hard-boiled detectives, having a more pleasant and less cynical one is a nice change. Lee Hee Joon’s Lee Joong Yeop is extremely cool, sophisticated and charming. There’s more than meets the eye, where this character is concerned and this aspect is played to perfection. Together, both of them share a tremendous chemistry for a bromance to root for indeed.
Kim Su Hyun plays the Korean-born profiler, Eugene Hathaway while Cha Joo Young’s Kim Hyo Kyung is the journalist. Both of them fully embody their respective characters compellingly, with each having her own substantial story arc in the process that allows viewers to empathise with their backstories. It’s worth mentioning that Kim Su Hyun spent some time in the US and having had minor roles in Hollywood, her American accent helps immensely with her portrayal of an FBI specialist.
I’ve had just as much joy in observing the dynamics of all four characters, particularly their interactions during numerous supercharged as well as tense moments. Among the many gripping scenes, I’ve truly enjoyed the intensity of the police interrogations and the riveting action sequences which are very well executed.
The veteran cast deserve credit for their performance as well, none more so than Nam Ki Ae as Jae Hwan's mother. Her ability to convey the dimensions of her character is particularly memorable, given her lack of screen time. Likewise Woo Hyun as police chief Bae who manifests powerfully emotive moments of his own.
Overall
Chimera may not be the best in genre but I have thoroughly enjoyed the viewing experience where it has ended up as one of my OCN favourites. It had sufficient thrills and excitement, a reasonably exciting and enthralling plot with intriguing characters worth rooting for and finally a conclusion that brings an acceptable and satisfying closure to the story. In spite of the lack of hype, this underrated gem of a drama turned out to be an extremely pleasant surprise indeed.
Was this review helpful to you?
